NYC East Village Nail Polish: Mermaid to Order What?

Hi everyone,

For those who’ve known me from my blog, I love blue very much. In fact, about 1/3 of my eyeshadow stash consists of various shades of blue. I have so many of them to quench my thirst of aqua colors. But using blue nail polish? Oh my Chanel, I’ve gotta try!

While summer is almost really over, the urge to wear bright color on my toes remains. Since OPI launched Mermaid to Order, a shimmery deep green blue nail polish, I always wanted it. But there’s a catch: it’s a nine-dollar bottle of nail polish! Then I realized it looks very familiar to something I saw at the drugstore. It turned out NYC, the super-affordable drugstore brand, launched a collection called "In a New York Color Minute" about a month or so before Sephora launched Mermaid in the Shades. The new and reformulated NYC nail polishes are free of DBP, toluene and added aldehydes at $1.99 a pop! Of course, I got West Village first and after lovin' it so much, I decided to get more.

East Village nail polish

(That’s Jen A kissing Drew Barrymore in the background)

East meets West

(L-R) NYC East Village and West Village nail polishes

How to Dry Your Makeup Brushes

Hi ladies (and gents),

As we all know, I am kind of a makeup brush geek. Although I have 30+ brushes in my possession, I always have the urge to buy one more. Once in a while, depending on how frequent I wear makeup, I line all the dirty brushes and wash 'em (details can be found here and here.) Regardless of the way I wash the brushes, there is only one way to dry them:

I let the heads hang out on the ledge of a block to dry instead of placing them flat on top of a piece of cloth. This way ensures them to dry properly without having any moulds growing within the dense bristles. If you haven't dried your brushes this way, I urge you to convert for the sake of your skin's health.

You can use some blocks like I did or just let them hang over the edge of your counter top. This way, the air circulation is better and there is no water to back up to the ferrule either. I notice my brushes to dry faster, as a result.

That's all for today. It's a short one but right now I need to heal my hand.




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A Time to Have Incredible Eyebrows

Hi everyone,

Happy Monday! Today, I need to post very short and quick as my right hand is killing me. Although I've been through this before, I still do not fully understand the importance of my body. Abusing my right hand too much in the form of writing and using the computer has never been a good thing. Last weekend, I spent most of my time relaxing and putting my hand away so I did not have to use it. Now, I feel a bit better but it is still hurting me!

Anyways, after so many years of learning to groom my own eyebrows, I came to a conclusion that I'm not so good at it. My eyes and face are not very symmetric and as a result, my eyebrows look like two different animals. I can go to the salon to get them groomed but most times I came out with really thin eyebrows. After reading so many books about makeup and beauty, I now can groom my own brows with confidence. But that's going to be another post for another day, as I can't type a detailed post today (or anytime soon!)

The one discovery that makes my life a whole lot easier is the eyebrow powder/wax combo. In these pictures, I used E.L.F Studio eyebrow kit and it is very easy to use. I'll do a review/tutorial in the future, don't worry!

I didn't have any foundation on, just eye liners, mascara, and brow powder

Boo!

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara: Good Idea but...

Hi everybody,

I have to admit that I was really happy to get a nice scoop from a product that has not launched yet in the U.S (thanks to Chris and Co.) This time around, I got an opportunity to try L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara before it is released in October. Why I am so lucky, I don't know :)

Beside the magnanimous success of L'Oreal Volumious, Telescopic does not look like such a shiny beacon. However, those who enjoy lengthening mascaras often suggest Telescopic as one of the best. As long as I can remember, I always wanted to try Telescopic but whenever I got to the supermarket, I bought Voluminous instead! Therefore, I was more than delighted to try the not-yet-released in the U.S Telescopic Explosion.

Let's explore this mascara together, shall we?

A closer look at the label

The wand :)

As I mentioned in the above picture, the plastic wand that Telescopic Explosion has is exactly the same as the famous Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes that lots of people have been raving about. However, the cost for the new Telescopic is going to be a lot cheaper: around 10 dollars compared to 28 bucks the Givenchy costs.

And the crucial question is whether the Telescopic Explosion is a good dupe of Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes. We are going to find out after the jump!

MAC Style Black Tickles My Fancy

Hello there, gorgeous!

It's been a while since a MAC limited edition release makes me feel so inspired. In fact, since the Hello Kitty LE, I did not buy anything limited edition from MAC (but I did take advantage of the SUMO sale and got me some awesome birthday presents!) Therefore, I was more than delighted to see the release photo of MAC Style Black in my inbox. This collection was released with the right timing: this fall, makeup is all about dark, vampy lips and smoked out eyes to the extreme.

MAC Style Black promo picture

Since I really dig the eye look, I took some time to explore this collection online and came to a conclusion that MAC is heading into the right direction. Not only the face charts are better explained, they also include a video of Nadine Luke doing a black lip and eye look on a model! Needless to say, I feel like Christmas coming early.

While some of the looks have the theatrical flair, others are surprisingly wearable. Also, I believe you don't need to wear black lipstick and lip gloss if that's not your thing. Dark burgundy lip colors would be nice substitutes and are more wearable, too.

So far, here are the two looks I want to experiment:

MAC Blue Flame face chart

Crack on My Rye Bread

Hi everyone,

If you have noticed the content of my blog this week, you may wonder what's happening to me. Truth be told, I'm super busy lately and like Leonard in "The Big Bang Theory" said, "I can't catch a break!" Today is Wednesday and if I can get over this week (and that includes Saturday and Sunday), I would be fine. There is a deadline I need to catch and if I don't ... uh oh! So, I have to do my best to stay afloat *breath in, breath out*

Today's post is about my reading materials. As I blog, I also read other people's blogs as well. If you have noticed, I follow quite a lot of blogs lately. In fact, if you follow me, I will sure follow you (and your blog) right back! There's nothing more entertaining than discovering some new and awesomely fresh talents in the blogsphere.

I don't know where I heard/read the term "crack on my rye bread" but I usually reserve it for websites and blogs I frequently stalk visit. And here are the top 5:

1. Makeup and Beauty Blog:

If you haven't found out about this blog yet, don't walk- run over to Karen's site right now! Girlfriend is fierce and has a ton of reviews/updates on makeup. It was because of her site that I blogged here. Also, her cat Tabs is so cute!

2. Cheeserland

You probably already know about this site because I wrote about Cheesie during Hair Week. I like her style and absolutely love her hair tutorials. She makes it look easy and doable, especially for people who have two left hands like moi!

3. Beautiful with Brains

The wonderful thing about having a blog is to develop friendship with other bloggers. Surprisingly, Gio and I have very similar taste in makeup! Her reviews are straightforward and informative. Also, she frequently has posts about cosmetics ingredients that I find educating.

Test Jump Break

Testing Jump Break function to see if it works :)

Yes, this is one of the bizarre posts but for those who are using Blogger platform to blog, this post may help you. As you already know, I use a third party customize template for this blog that has the hack included to install a jump link so my entries can look shorter. For those who use Wordpress, you don't have to worry about this problem as Wordpress has that within itself. However, for Blogger users, we have to be creative.

But not anymore, my fellow Blogger users! Finally, after 10 years of its existence, Blogger includes a jump link function to its new editor. For those who has third party customize templates like me, you need to do a bit of extra work to get this. The good thing about this is your old span id code is not going to be affected.

Want to know how? Click here! Blogger Buster explains it very well. She even shows you how to customize your jump link as well.

And to see if it works with me, click the link below. Do it, do it now :)

My New Pink Lipstick: Rimmel London Lipstick in Pink Champagne

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Although I have a lot of pink lipsticks, I still can't help but get another one to fill my stash. The latest pink lippie I go is from Rimmel London called "Pink Champagne". Since the name is fun and the shade is cute, I brought it home during a sale event.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Pink Champagne

...at a slightly different angle and lightning

Lip Swatch

The one thing I like about this lipstick is the texture: it is creamy and not quite drying as I thought. The texture and pigmentation of this lipstick reminds me of MAC Creamsheen lipstick. Although I don't like the fruity smell that Rimmel lipsticks have, I don't find it so offensive. In fact, it goes away quickly after I apply to my lips.

I love the Rimmel logo on the cap, it looks so regal!

While I slowly make a comeback to lipsticks, I find Rimmel London lippies to be affordable and reliable. Between the Walgreens and CVS in my 'hood, I can comfortably get them during the promotions so I don't have to break the bank over some lipsticks.

How about you? What do you think about Rimmel London lipsticks? Comment, ok?



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My Favorite Emmy Looks

Hi everybody,

I still can't believe today is the last full day of summer. Outside is still hot, sunny, and very humid. Last night, I enjoyed watching the Emmy Awards show with Neil Patrick Harris hosting. The show was wonderful and I enjoyed every minute of it. Of course, some of my favorite shows and actors did not win ("House" and Jim Parson in "The Big Bang Theory".)

As I become more and more into beauty and style, I could not help but take notes of some looks that the leading ladies sport. Here are five of my favorite red carpet looks from the Emmy:

1. Tina Fey

I love the dress: it hugs her at the right place and does not look overwhelming. Her makeup is simple yet accentuate her eyes and face. This is one example of simple elegance, people!

2. Drew Barrymore

"She looked like a swan" was all I could think of when I saw her on TV. This lady had everything nail down to perfection: the dress, the hair, the makeup, the pose. I like the color of her dress a lot and she is so gifted to wear it so well.

3. Blake Lively

Although I am not a "Gossip Girl" fan, I like Blake Lively's look. The girl has youth with her and a body to die for. This dress is daring and I wonder how much double-sided tape her stylist used. Her makeup was simple so the focus is on the dress. And look at those shoes, they are so lovely!

4. Sandra Oh

To be honest, I love Sandra Oh's hair and makeup more than her dress. Her hair looked really awesome and red carpet-like. The dress is a bit too long for her. I wish it was a bit shorter to show off her nice legs.

5. Jennifer Love Hewitt


Girlfriend is curvy and she knows how to show it! I love the hair, the dress, and the makeup. Ever since she started to go softer on her makeup, J.Love looked better as well. The dress reminds me of something Angelina Jolie would have worn in award shows but with less accessories, Jennifer Love Hewitt did pull it off really well.

That's all for Monday, folks! Did you watch the Emmy Awards last night? Who was your favorite? Comment, ok?



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Beauty Literotica: Universal Beauty by Cara Birnbaum

Hi everybody,

This week, I've been facing the toughest time so far: my brain does not seem to work the way I want! During this critical time, being uninspired and having brain freeze is not a good combination. So, what should a girl do? Read a book, of course!

Universal Beauty by Cara Birnbaum

Image courtesy Amazon.com

The book I've been entertaining myself is "Universal Beauty" by Cara Birnbaum. Although I have never been in pageantry, I am always fascinated by the hair and makeup on the beauty queens. Some couple years ago when Miss Japan won Miss Universe, I was mesmerized by all of the contestants' hair. The Miss Universe pageant definitely has the best hair team in the world (they use Farouk hair products, the people who make BioSilk!) Also, I love the fierce eye makeup the contestants wear so well. At the time, I wonder how I can do the same thing.

And then one day I bumped into this book, Universal Beauty, at the local library. Let me tell you, it was a very happy day for me! This book is choke full with useful tips for skin, hair, makeup, and even fitness.

Tip on how to apply blush and bronzer

You can find tips like that all over the book, not only from the hair and makeup teams but also from past contestants and title holders. Yes, from former Misses Universe! The one thing I was fascinated is their personal stories: some of the past winners still remember the days they won like it was only yesterday. Also, the title is a life-time achievement that requires the winner to take good care of themselves. And they do! Some of the former Misses Universe are successful career woman, yet they still maintain their beauty as they age. I tip my hat to them.

(L-R): Sylvia Hitchcock-Carson, Miss Universe 1967, Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, and Margaret Gardiner, Miss Universe 1978

And here are some side-way pictures

Every time I try to post some pictures for my book review, this happened! These tips are wonderful and I hope you'll find a way to read it. Maybe printing it out will help?

The Miss Universe eye makeup

...and lip makeup

...and an exercise routine

But that's not all. You can browse some pages of this book here at Google Book. For those who are into pageantry and aspired to become the future Miss Universe, this book is a must-read. For those who want to broaden their makeup, hair, and beauty prowess, it is also a good source of information. As it is very informative, one should not try to read it in one sitting. This book should be paced out and absorbed slowly. I am glad to have an opportunity to read it and I hope you'll get your chance as well.

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Christian Siriano for VS Makeup Silky Eyeshadow in Gilded Fierce

Hi everyone,

Christian Siriano has been on a roll ever since he won “Project Runway”. Not only he has a show in NY Fashion Week, he also collaborates with Payless Shoe Source on a shoe collection. And to top it off, Mr. Christian “Fierce” Siriano also joins force with Victoria's Secret on a limited edition makeup collection. This LE collection was debuted the same time with the premier of Victoria's Secret revamped makeup collection as well. Now, the lingerie store’s makeup line is called VS Makeup instead of Very Sexy, after so many people complained their aversion of the name.

 Christian Siriano for VS Makeup Silky Eye Shadow

The first Siriano LE has six eye shadows, two bronzers, a big brush, and a makeup bag. After playing with them, I chose to bring home with me “Gilded Fierce”, a black eyeshadow with gold sparkles. The whole collection was inspired by Egypt and each eyeshadow is very well made and packaged.

The pretty packaging

While the regular eye shadows are sold at $10 a pop, the LE ones costs you a pretty 12 dollars. However, the pigmentation and packaging are better, which justify the cost. I have been playing with “Gilded Fierce” for the last few days and I really enjoy it. The pigmentation is really intense and I just use a bit on my brush to create a smokey-eyed look. Also, this eyeshadow is handy as eyeliner.

Gilded Fierce without flash

The flash tends to wash out the gold sparkles

A closer look at Gilded Fierce

While I am happy with the pigmentation and pretty packaging, this eyeshadow is quite soft to my liking. If you are used to MAC eye shadows, the new VS ones are not as firm, which leads to a tendency to over-pack on the brush. Therefore, I have to practice precaution when I use this color. Also, as it is soft, I observe a bit of fall out when I use it.

To me, after experimenting with some super affordable drugstore eye shadows, “Gilded Fierce” came as a breath of fresh air. Each LE eyeshadow contains 3.4 grams of material, compared to 1.5 grams in MAC’s and is $2.5 USD cheaper. I believe the regular VS eyeshadow is the same size as the LE ones, which is even more economical when compared to other makeup brands sold at the department store.

Overall, I am happy with “Gilded Fierce” as well as other colors in this new LE by Christian Siriano. For the first time in a long time, fall fashion is more colorful than ever and Mr. Siriano delivered it spot on. Also, the revamped VS makeup line is a nice alternative and a contender to MAC. If you go to the mall, please check it out! The LE is selling really fast and some of the colors were almost sold out when I was there.

That’s all for now, folks! What do you think about the new Siriano LE? Please let me know in the comment section, ok?




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Makeup Reunion: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup Liquid Foundation

Hello, gorgeous!

Recently, I got an opportunity to reunite with one of my old-time's favorite: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable liquid foundation. When I was in college, it was my time to explore makeup and that was difficult. At that time, most foundations available had pink undertones and they looked really bad on my face. Most of them made me look like I was drunk or had a bad case of sunburn. Then L'Oreal released the True Match line and it solved a lot of problems to a lot of people. One of them was me: if I remember correctly, I used to apply True Match foundation in C5 to my face.

Yes, I remember you, dear one!
L'Oreal True Match in N4

Yup, it's my old love
I used a lot of L'Oreal foundations before switching to mineral makeup

Finding a good match with L'Oreal True Match is really easy. If your drugstore has a plastic see-through color card, you can just hover it near your jawline or forehead and determine what shade is the closest. Mine is N4 (buff beige), I guess my skin has changed after all these years.

The skin swatch
It's Super-Blendable indeed

The foundation still works the same as I remember. It blends well and feels like lotion on my face. Also, it's a lot cheaper now and you can always use coupons to make it even much cheaper. And to those who wonder if I am going to reverse to regular foundation, the answer is no. Although I enjoyed True Match and it did not break me out, I love my mineral foundation a lot more. However, it's a good trip down to the memory lane to me.

How about you? What was your favorite foundation in the past?

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Earth to Dao: the Duh-est Moment of the Week (So Far!)

Hi everybody,

Once in a while, I get into a realization that I don't know everything. Although I try to learn as much as I can, there is something new for me to absorb everyday. When I opened my Twitter page a while ago (click here if you haven't joined me yet), I never thought of the day that Twitter would hit me with the biggest "duh" of the week. And the bad part: it's only Tuesday!

If you have your Twitter account, when you log on, your page should look like that. You will see all the posts from whoever you subscribe to. I'm a bit behind in following people and hopefully, I will find some time soon to do so.


After some months, my one and only concern is not to see the replies. One of the ways I know if somebody replied to me is if I see it on that front page. That is quite time consuming because I follow so many people and y'all all tweet a lot. That's not a bad thing, by the way. It's just a lot for me to handle at the moment.


Then, today I just took a closer look at things on Twitter and... bam! I figured out how to read all the replies! And this moment is not an "a-ha" moment, y'all. It's a totally different kind of animal and I shall call it a "Duh" moment (or a "D'oh" moment if you're into The Simpsons.)

 See that @MyMakeupBlog link? Yours should be @whateveryourTwitteris. Just go ahead and click on it. Please, pretty please?


I did, and this is what I see:

Yup, that's right! All the replies so far!

 I really am sorry if I did not  reply to your tweets. It's not because I'm rude or anything but because I'm technologically challenged, at least to Twitter. I really appreciate your advise on how to use Twitter effectively. Right now, I can only afford as little "duh's" as possible. And can somebody please explain to me what a retweet (RT) is? I'm a little bit confused!


By the way, I am using the newest Blogger Editor and it is smashing! Right now, I don't have to use the code to split my entry into two parts anymore. I can get used to this. Now, can Blogger give us some embedded polls?


That's all, folks. I need to take some time to address my duh-ness and therefore, there's no makeup post today. Please come back tomorrow, when hopefully my brain works better.




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